EMERGENCY PROCEEDURES

FOR
HANDLING HYDROGEN

BY
HS SEHGAL
 Hydrogen Basics
• H2 basic -Highlights properties
• Gaseous hydrogen behaviour
• Hazards means hydrogen leaks, flames, and
explosions.
• Constant vigilance with or around hydrogen.
• Safe as gasoline or any other commonly used
fuel, it's just different.
• Understand the differences.
• Understand how to work safely with
hydrogen.
 Hydrogen Applications
• Petroleum refining
• Glass purification
• Semiconductor manufacturing
• Aerospace applications
• Fertilizer production
• Welding, annealing and heat-treating metals
• Pharmaceuticals
• Coolant in power plant generators
• Hydrogenation of vegetable oil
 Hydrogen Transportation & Storage
• Fixed storage tanks
• Cylinders
• Moveable Battery
• Transportation in cylinders,
• Battery of cylinders
• Tube tailors
• Hydrogen is liquefied
• Filled in cylinders,
• Battery of cylinders and fixed storage tanks.
Cylinders -
 CAUSES OF HYDROGEN MISHAPS
–Procedural deficiencies
–Planning deficiencies
–Material failure
–Design deficiencies
–Operation and work area deficiencies
–Malfunction
–Materials incompatibility
–Contamination
 Procedures
• Instructions to develop safe work practices
• Accomplish work safely
• Safety information and emergency procedures
Formalized procedures:
• Operating procedures .
• Management of change
• Equipment Maintenance and Integrity
• Emergency response procedures for onsite
personnel to ensure employee safety during an
emergency situation at the facility
 Properties Of Hydrogen
• Lighter than atmospheric air.
• Compressed and/or cooled change to liquid form.
• Liquefaction at very low temperatures or at very high pressure.
• Hydrogen flame invisible and has no odour or taste
• Flammability limits of hydrogen from 4 to 74% in air.
• Ignition energy for hydrogen is very low.
• Flames from burning hydrogen are very weakly bluish
• In daylight only perceivable flickering.
• Fire in the vicinity of other painted surfaces combustible
material, generate smoke.
• Flames visible with a thermal imager.
• Jet flame due to the pressurisation.
• Turbulence and a clearly audible sound.
• Thermal radiation lower than for a natural gas fire
• Hydrogen fire As powerful as for a petrol fire.
 Hydrogen Physical Properties
• Density 84 g/m3 at a temperature of 15 ºC and 1
bar.
• Rises upwards and accumulate under ceilings .
• Stored in cylinders or tanks at ambient
temperature up to 300 bar.
• Pressure release at normal temperature results – –
rise in temperature.
• Temperature rises 20 to 25 ºC from 175 to 1 bar.
• Not sufficient to cause the escaping hydrogen to
ignite on its own,
• Ignition temperature 580 ºC.
 Points concerning escapes/ fire in hydrogen
1. Highly combustible, explosive, invisible, odourless and
tasteless, and lighter than atmospheric air.
2. Hydrogen is not toxic,
3. No environmental consequences
4. Wide flammability interval
5. Ignite in air of between 4 and 74 per cent by volume (vol. %).
6. Flames difficult to see in daylight – use a thermal imager.
7. Hydrogen fire extinguished with a water mist jet, CO2 or a
powder extinguisher.
8. Powder has the best extinguishing effect but also causes the
greatest material damage.
9. If fire is escaping, flame extinguished if it is possible to halt the
escape.
10. If the jet flame threatens other objects, these can be cooled.
11. Pressurised tanks/containers of gas, cooled with at least 10
litres/m2 per minute.
 Fire protection
• Minimize all potential sources of leaks!
• Eliminate, all sources of ignition!
• Provision for isolation of hydrogen, means of escape
and methods of controlling any fire!
• Smoking, fires and open flames of any kind are
prohibited .
• Warning notices posted
• Adequate means of giving alarm .
• Alarms clearly marked and located.
• Full emergency procedures established for each
installation and periodic drills carried out:
• Means of escape in the case of emergency.
• Not less than two separate outward opening exits.
 Contd--
• Emergency exits clear at all times.
• 3 meters area within hydrogen installation
kept free of dry vegetation and combustible
matter.
• Sodium chlorate - a potential source of fire
danger not used as weed killer
• Water adequate volume and pressure .
• Maintenance or repair work after checking
by competent person , issue of Safe Work
Permit.
 To Avoid Abuse
• Hydrogen not used for filling of toy balloons
because of the danger of an explosion.
• Not used as carrier for pneumatic energy, for
instance for spray painting or for similar
processes.
• Hydrogen purposely inhaled in large
dosages.
• Suffocating effect begin after inhaling one
deep breath.
 Transporting gas cylinders
Hazards
• Gas pressure is high and a ruptured cylinder or
valve can cause serious injury or damage
• Heat may cause any safety device fitted to operate
and release contents
• Flammable gases leakage can create an explosive
atmosphere
• Oxygen enrichment causes material to ignite easily
and will increase the intensity of the fire.
• Inert gases cause oxygen deficiency and
asphyxiation
 Carrying a load safely
• Vehicle suitable for the size and type of load.
• Roadworthy
• Tyres with sufficient tread
• Undamaged body
• Lights
• Load securing points
• Vehicle conform to requirements of the transport of
dangerous goods regulations.
• Maximum payload of the vehicle must not be
exceeded.
Positioning the load correctly
• Load correctly positioned on the vehicle to maintain
its stability.
 Carrying a load safely
Using suitable restraint equipment
• Load restraint equipment , vehicle body and
attachments strong enough for each type of load
carried
• Good working condition
 Securing gas cylinders for transport
• Secure all cylinders against moving during transport.
• Consider the forces in a traffic accident.
• Limit the number of cylinders to be transported.
• Use open vehicles or trailers in preference to any
enclosed vehicles or trailers.
• Do not cover with a tarpaulin.
• Contents label on the cylinder clearly read.
• Never drop cylinders or submit them to shock.
• Use mechanical lifting devices and trolleys to move
cylinders.
• Wear safety shoes or boots, safety glasses or goggles,
and leather protective gloves when handling
cylinders.
• Do not smoke or use a mobile phone.
 Carrying flammable Gases
• Vehicle have a flat bed with sides, a tailboard, and
a cab which is separately ventilated from the load
carrying area.
• Flammable gases carried in closed compartments
separated from the driver
• Sufficient ventilation to prevent the build-up of a
dangerous atmosphere.
• Compartment segregated from the driver is not
recommended.
• Flammable gas cylinders not carried horizontally
on steel-floored vehicles
 Safety During Transportation
• No smoking
• All sources of ignition kept away
• Follow specified rout.
• Maintain speed
• Not parking near residential areas
• No repair during transportation
• Observe all rule /regulations
• Avoid overtaking
• Not to leave vehicle without watch
• Physical check the mounting frequently
• In case of leak/emergency ,follow instructions
 Driver Training
• Driver carefully selected
• Class room Training
• Training at certified regional training centrs
Training Fields
• Safe Driving Methods
• Action to be taken in emergency
• Proper use of Emergency Kit, Term Card,
Instruction Manual
• Communication with manufacturer and supplier
 SAFETY PRECAUTIONS IN EMERGENCY
RESIST RUSHING IN!
• APPROACH FROM UPWIND, UPHILL OR UPSTREAM
• Stay clear of Vapour, Fumes, Smoke and Spills
• Keep vehicle at a safe distance from the scene
SECURE THE SCENE:
• Isolate the area and protect yourself and others
IDENTIFY THE HAZARDS USING ANY OF THE FOLLOWING:
• Placards
• Container labels
• Shipping documents
• Road Trailer Identification Chart
• Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS)
• Knowledge of persons on scene
• Applicable guide page
 Incident Procedures
• An emergency action plan covering incident procedures
developed and implemented .
• Evacuation procedures, and exit routes, and staging areas
for non-responding personnel
• Procedures for employees who oversee critical plant
operations before evacuating
• Procedures to account for all employees after emergency
evacuation is completed
• Procedures for employees performing medical and rescue
activities
• Preferred means for reporting fires and other emergencies
• Contact information for persons who can provide additional
information or explanation of duties covered by this plan.
 SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
ASSESS THE SITUATION
• Is there a fire, a spill or a leak?
• What are the weather conditions?
• What is the terrain like?
• Who/what is at risk: people, property or the
environment?
• What actions should be taken – evacuation, shelter
in-place or dike?
• What resources (human and equipment) are
required?
• What can be done immediately?
 SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
OBTAIN HELP:
• Advise your headquarters to notify responsible
agencies and call for assistance from qualified
personnel
RESPOND:
• Enter only when wearing appropriate protective gear
• Rescue attempts and protecting property must be
weighed against you becoming part of the problem
• Establish a command post and lines of communication
• Continually reassess the situation and modify
response accordingly
• Consider safety of people in the immediate area first,
including your own safety
 SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
ABOVE ALL:
• Do not assume that gases or vapours are
harmless because of lack of a smell—
odourless gases or vapours may be
harmful.
• CAUTION when handling empty
containers because they may still
present hazards until they are cleaned
and purged of all residues.
 NOTIFICATION AND REQUEST FOR TECHNICAL
INFORMATION
NOTIFY YOUR ORGANIZATION/AGENCY
• Based on information provided, will set in motion a
series of events
• Actions may range from dispatching additional
trained personnel to the scene, to activating the
local emergency response plan
• Ensure that local fire and police departments have
been notified
CALL THE EMERGENCY RESPONSE TELEPHONE
NUMBER ON THE SHIPPING DOCUMENT
 Initial Actions
• Avoid using cell phones, radios, etc. within 100 meters (300
feet) of a suspect device
• NOTIFY local police by calling.
• Set up Incident command upwind and uphill of the area.
• Do NOT touch or move suspicious packages/containers.
• Be cautious regarding potential presence of secondary
devices (e.g. Improvised Explosive Devices, IEDs).
• Avoid contamination.
• Limit access to only those responsible for rescue of victims or
assessment of unknown materials or devices.
• Evacuate and isolate individuals potentially exposed to
dangerous goods/hazardous materials.
• Isolate contaminated areas and secure the scene for analysis
of material.
 PROVIDE AS MUCH OF THE FOLLOWING
INFORMATION AS POSSIBLE:
• Your name, call-back telephone number, FAX number
• Location and nature of problem (spill, fire, etc.)
• Name and identification number of material(s)
involved
• Shipper/consignee/point-of-origin
• Carrier name, rail car or truck number
• Container type and size
• Quantity of material transported/released
• Local conditions (weather, terrain)
• Proximity to schools, hospitals, waterways, etc.
• Injuries and exposures
• Local emergency services that have been notified
 Types of Emergencies- LEAKAGE
• Hydrogen leaks are impossible to detect by human senses
• If hydrogen accumulates in a confined space in sufficient
concentrations, it is an asphyxiant
Hydrogen Leak Detection
--Verify suspected leaks using soapy water solution .
– Use portable hydrogen detectors.
– Gas detectors may be installed in storage facilities .
– Listen and watch for audible or visual alarms.
When a leak occurs
• Area completely roped off
• Caution signs posted
 Types of Emergencies- LEAKAGE
Leaks occurs near
• Valve/regulator/tubing/tubing bends or
joints
• Catastrophic fires can occur
• High-pressure gas leaks can occur
• If the leak cannot be stopped by
tightening a valve gland or packing nut,
emergency action procedures initiated
 Controllable Leaks
• Controllable leaks are small leaks
• Does not result in significant release before shut-off
• Relief valves can be made operational.
• Spark--‐proof tools used when working with
flammable gas cylinders.
• All lines and equipment associated with flammable
gas systems grounded and bonded
• Portable fire extinguishers available
• Never enter an atmosphere containing >10% LEL of
flammable material
• Chemical clothing will not protect in a fire situation
 Uncontrollable Leaks
• Uncontrollable leaks large and involves major
release.
• Large fire and explosions may occur.
 Procedures During Uncontrollable Leaks
• Supply source shut-off immediately if possible
• Look for recognizable signage.
• Listen for escaping gas and watch for thermal waves that
could indicate a hydrogen flame.
• Let a hydrogen flame burn, if it’s safe to do so.
• Never cut through hydrogen lines or high-voltage
electrical lines.
• Area evacuated to 152 m from the release point
• Immediately notify EH&S & fire department
• Call 1800-11-1735 from cell phone immediately.
• Adjacent equipment cooled down in case of fire.
 Handling Gas Leaks From Cylinders
• Acceptable, approved solution used for testing leaks.
If a cylinder safety device leaks
• Not attempted to correct the leak by tightening the
safety device cap while the cylinder is under pressure.
• Contents of the cylinder emptied in a safe location.
• Cap removed to examine the condition of the threads
• Correct the damage, pressurize and leak test.
• Leaking cylinders safely vented through water seal
• Tagged as defective,
• Returned to the supplier
 Emergencies and accidents
If a gas leak occurs during the transportation
• Stop and park the vehicle as far away as possible
from other vehicles or people.
• Leave the vehicle and call Emergency Response
Line for specialist advice.
In the event of a fire or any other emergency,
• Call the fire brigade
• Advise them of the details of your load.
• Call the emergency services if transport vehicle
involved in a road accident whilst carrying
cylinders and advise them of the details of your
load, and your location.
 In Case of Fire
• Shut off the hydrogen source.
• Let the fire burn itself out.
• If the flame is snuffed out, may reignite and cause
greater damage.
• Use water spray to protect people and equipment
• Hydrogen flame cannot be extinguished with
water.
• Calling the fire department and make the required
emergency contacts.
• Ultraviolet/infrared detectors and alarms installed
on systems with the potential for large leaks.
 In Case of Fire
HYDROGEN FIRE FIGHTING cont.
– Tanks containing hydrogen cooled with water if near a fire
– Hydrogen vent stack fires can be extinguished by shutting
off the source and snuffing the fire with nitrogen or helium
gas
– WATER SHOULD NEVER BE SPRAYED ON OR NEAR A VENT
STACK!!!
– Make sure nitrogen or steam line is attached securely
FIRE FIGHTING EQUIPMENT
– A fire extinguisher located within the boundaries of the
installation
– An adequate water supply, fire extinguisher (either dry
chemical or carbon dioxide) and a fire blanket in the
proximity of a hydrogen station
 Accidental Release/Fire
• Fire brigade immediately for assistance.
• Dial EH&S
• Provide police officials with the details of the
problem upon their arrival.
 Gas cylinders in fires
• Gas cylinders involved in a fire may explode.
• Evacuate the area (min. 100 m).
• Call the fire brigade.
• Advise persons between 100–300 m from the cylinder to take cover.
• If you attempt to fight the fire, do so from a protected position such as
behind heavy machinery or a solid wall
• using copious quantities of water. Otherwise keep away,
• Do not approach or attempt to move the cylinder, do not attempt to open
the valve.
• When the fire brigade arrives inform them of the location and number of
gas cylinders directly involved in the fire, and the names of the gas.
• Cylinders which are not directly involved in the fire and which have not
become heated should be moved as quickly as possible to a safe place –
provided this can be done without undue risk. Make sure these cylinder
valves are closed.
• As soon as possible inform your local branch of the incident.
• Do not use cylinders that have been exposed to a fire until examined .
• Remember that even after the fire has been extinguished some cylinders
which have been heated can explode, particularly acetylene cylinders.
 Gas cylinders in fires
Cylinders exposed to a heat source
• Cylinders which have been exposed to excessive
heat – such as fire or by accidental impingement of
a flame – may fail when next filled and may result
in an operator’s death.
• ALWAYS clearly mark fire exposed cylinders and
advise
• Under no circumstances should you clean or repair
the cylinder!
• Do not use any fire damaged cylinders
 Gas cylinders in fires
Leaking cylinders
• Leaking cylinders may lead to fire or explosion
when it meets an ignition source.
• Do not enter an atmosphere which may contain a
flammable gas/ vapour and air mixture in the
flammable range without either:
• a) testing that the flammable gas/vapour content
is less than 20% of the Lower Explosion Limit (LEL)
or
• b) ventilating prior to entry to achieve (a).
• (Do not use electrical fans etc. to ventilate unless
flameproof.)
 Gaseous Hydrogen Fires
Best practices for dealing with a gaseous hydrogen fire
• Do not extinguish the fire until the hydrogen supply
has been shut off, as unburned gaseous hydrogen can
result in an explosion. Spray water on adjacent
equipment to cool it.
• Do not try to put out a hydrogen cylinder fire unless
the cylinder is out in the open or in a well-ventilated
area free of combustibles and ignition sources.
• Do not attempt to remove a burning cylinder. Keep it
and surrounding cylinders cool by spraying with water.
• If multiple cylinders are burning, fight the fire from as
great a distance as possible to protect against the
possibility of flying debris.
 Fire Protection and Suppression
• Hydrogen fires are not extinguished until the
supply of hydrogen has been shut off due to the
danger of re-ignition and explosion.
• Personnel who work around hydrogen should be
trained in the characteristics of hydrogen fires and
proper procedures for dealing with them.
• A hydrogen fire is often difficult to detect without
a thermal imaging camera or flame detector.
• Let a gaseous hydrogen fire burn, but spray water
on adjacent equipment to cool it.
• Not to spray pressure-relief devices, since ice
formation could make them inoperable.
 Good Safety Practices for Working with Hydrogen
• Wear appropriate personal protective equipment
(PPE) for specific hazards .
• No specific PPE for working with gaseous hydrogen,
except wearing safety glasses or goggles .
• Have basic hydrogen safety training
• Familiar with basic properties of hydrogen
• New hydrogen users should have clear guidance and
instructions from their supervisor on the required
training
• Approvals necessary before working with hydrogen.
• The first time you work with hydrogen, you should ask
someone with hydrogen experience to assist you.
• Never take chances or shortcuts.
• Always plan for the worst-case scenario
 Fire Fighting
• Hydrogen Fires not approached without appropriate flame detection
equipment due to the low visibility of hydrogen flames.
• Hydrogen fires not extinguished until the supply of hydrogen is shut off
because of the danger of re-ignition or explosion of an accumulation of
un-burnt hydrogen.
• Recommended way of handling a hydrogen fire is to let it burn under
control until the hydrogen flow can be stopped.
• Small hydrogen fires can be extinguished by dry chemical extinguishers or
with carbon dioxide, nitrogen, and steam.
• Water in large quantities is the best way of extinguishing anything other
than a small hydrogen fire
• Spraying adjacent plant to keep it cool and preventing fire spread.
• Water spray systems for hydrogen storage containers, grouped piping, and
pumps where potential fire hazards exist.
• Delivered a uniform spray pattern over 100 per cent of the container
surface, pumps, and adjacent piping.
• Manual control stations located outside the hazardous area, but within
effective sight of the facility protected.
 Fire Fighting
• No attempt to extinguish fires involving hydrogen or
other flammable gas cylinders, unless they are in the
open or in a well-ventilated area free of combustibles
and ignition sources.
• Even if located in open or well-ventilated areas,
extreme care to extinguish the fire, as this may create
a mixture of air and escaping gas that, if re-ignited,
might explode.
• Under no circumstances fire-fighters attempt to
remove a burning cylinder.
• An exclusion zone set-up and the burning cylinder(s),
• Surrounding cylinders and combustibles, kept cool by
spraying water until the gas escape ceases and fire
extinguishes
 Falling Cylinder Proceedure
• If a cylinder falls over, NEVER attempt to
catch it.
• It is much too heavy and will cause you
serious injury.
• It is very robust and is unlikely to be
damaged, although it may make a loud
noise.
• Do not attempt to upright it by yourself.
• Get competent help.
 Accidents Involving Personnel Injury
• For medical emergencies, call 108.
Assist persons involved and administer immediate first
aid which may include:
• Washing under a safety shower (in case of burning
clothing or chemical exposures).
• Removing contaminated clothing.
• Irrigating the eyes at an eyewash.
• Administering artificial respiration.
• Notify personnel in adjacent areas of any potential
hazards (e.g., activate building or area alarms).
• Move injured personnel only if necessary to prevent
their exposure to further harm.